offhand

/ˈɑfhænd/

/ˈɒfhænd/

The adjective offhand describes a remark or comment that is made without previous thought or preparation. If you are at a wedding, you may want to make a few offhand but nice remarks about the newlyweds.

As an adjective, offhand can mean careless, brusque, or inconsiderate. You may frequently have to remind young children that offhand comments about people's looks or intelligence can hurt their feelings. Offhand can also be used as an adverb, meaning without thought or planning. You may not be able to say offhand, but do you have any idea how many people are in your class at school?

Definitions of offhand

1. adjective

   with little or no preparation or forethought
   “offhand excuses”

   synonyms: ad-lib, extemporaneous, extemporary, extempore, impromptu, off-the-cuff, offhanded, unrehearsed

   unprepared

   without preparation; not prepared for
2. adjective

   casually thoughtless or inconsiderate
   “an offhand manner”

   synonyms: offhanded

   careless

   marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
3. adverb

   without previous thought or preparation
   “couldn't give the figures offhand”

   “we decided offhand to go to Canada”

   synonyms: offhanded, offhandedly
4. adverb

   in a casually inconsiderate manner
   “replied offhand, his mind a million miles away”

   synonyms: offhanded, offhandedly